Job Details
New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.
Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.
Soil moisture and vegetation water content are critical components of Earth’s water cycle, understanding terrestrial ecosystem functioning and health, and underlie numerous water resources applications including surface water availability and agriculture. The Water and Ecosystems group (329F) in the Earth Science Section (3290) is seeking a full time Technologist to work in the following areas: SMAP science and algorithms development – with a focus on improving soil moisture retrievals through improved correction for surface roughness and vegetation effects; exploring the use of SMAP / Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry (GNSS-R) Signals of Opportunity, including support for field campaigns and science algorithm Development; advancing the use of SMAP, GNSS-R, along with other observations (which may include NISAR, SWOT, TIR, and VSWIR) to support research and applications in hydrology and ecosystems, including interactions between climate and water.
In this role you will be responsible for the following:
• Perform analysis of synergistic SMAP and GNSS-R mission data for soil moisture algorithm improvement
• Participate in regular SMAP science and algorithm team meetings
• Participate in SoOp hydrology mission design and science requirement definition
• Support the operation of airborne SoOp instrument for field campaigns and perform data analysis
• Participate in regular 329F team meetings
• Participate in proposal writing opportunities with 329F team members
• Support other data analysis and code implementation activities in support of 329F projects
• Identify linkages between SMAP and SoOp teams and 329F research and applications activities
The following qualifications are required:
• PhD degree in electrical engineering, mathematics, geoscience, Earth science, hydrology, or similar technical discipline.
• Direct experience with GNSS-R remote sensing data
• Experience in manipulating remote sensing data through software, including C and/or MATLAB.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability in research and broad range of experimental skills.
The following qualifications are preferred:
• Experience and interest in field work
• Experience in processing GNSS-R data products
• Experience in GNSS-R calibration technology
• A track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications in their area of research
• Experience and /or interest in contributing to broader fields of water cycle research, investigating land-sea connectivity, and water resources applications
• Experience in analyzing remote sensing data through other open source software and programming languages (Python, R)
Complete applications will include a CV, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three references. Please combine all documents into one PDF.
Applications received by January 9, 2023 will receive full consideration.
JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.
In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.
